Tsogo Sun Amashova 2017 Results

On Sunday, 22nd of October 2017, all eyes were on KwaZulu-Natal’s largest road cycling classic – the Tsogo Sun Amashova. The 31st edition of this race did not disappoint with an impressive number of just under 10 000 cyclists participating and the prospect of Nolan Hoffman from the Western Cape looking to equal Malcom Lange’s record of the most wins for the event.

This year’s 35km, 65km and even the grueling 106km displayed moments of true Tsogo Sun Amashova Spirit. With the likes of Grant Oosthuyzen being the first person in a wheelchair to finish the 35km race, a staggering amount of people completing the 65km route wearing CHOC cow outfits despite the hot weather, and the first tandem to cross the line carrying three generations on one bicycle for the 106km – there was no shortage of amazing accomplishments today. Especially that of Nolan Hoffman who won his sixth Tsogo Sun Amashova Race to match cycling legend, Malcolm Lange’s current record of most wins. And the ladies elite challenge batch was also something for crowds to cheer about with Carla Oberholzer claiming this year’s title a whole three minutes ahead of the rest of the batch!

Hailing from Franschhoek, the triumphant Nolan Hoffman raced home to a nailbiting finish to claim his 6th six time as champion. Clarens local, Carla Oberholzer took her first title after taking a chance at the 70km mark to break away from the pack, which in the end paid off.

In his acceptance speech, Hoffman stated, “I am really proud to have equaled Malcolm’s record – he really is one of SA’s cycling greats so it’s a great honour to share this achievement with him. Thanks to Malcolm, my team mates, my wife and the race organisers and Tsogo Sun sponsors who helped motivate me and make this achievement possible”.

“The spirit of Amashova was alive and well this year! Tsogo Sun is incredibly proud to have been part of a race with such great heritage and soul. Congratulations to Nolan for matching Malcolm Lange’s record of six Amashova wins and to Carla for finishing three minutes ahead of the rest of the elite female cyclists to claim victory. Well done to all the cyclists who took part in this ever-growing race, and to the organisers for another spectacular year.”

From Spain the Worldwide Sport Events organizer of the Gran Fondo World Tour, CEO Dani Buyo, was present at this year’s race to assess the race and understand the market for potentially including it in next year’s international circuit. “The Tsogo Sun Amashova is a very good event and I was pleasantly surprised about the high quality standard as far as the organization of the event, overall safety and hospitality are concerned. It really does compare to some of the best cycling events in the world. The logistics of this event are near to perfect. The essence of the Tsogo Sun Amashova also aligns with our race philosophy. We want a positive experience for every single cyclist so that from the first to the last person, everyone goes home happy,” stated Buyo.

Amashova Race Director, Annie Batchelder, concluded, “It’s been another successful ride for the contestants that peddled down the “road of champions” from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. 2017 is the year we focused on the spirit of Amashova because this is not just any ordinary cycling race. As much as this race attracts the attention of the competitive cycling scene – it is also so rewarding to see how many social cyclists enjoy this race and the number of people riding for a cause. The event really does bring the entire city and all its citizens together. Thanks to the residents along the route, my fantastic team and to our headline sponsor, Tsogo Sun, who always add such value and commitment to the race. I can assure you that your unwavering support does not go unnoticed. I believe that together we can take this race to even greater heights.”

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